For a non-rescindable transaction (i.e. a purchase), only one of the primary borrowers will need to receive a copy of the CD. For a rescindable transaction (i.e. a refinance of a primary residence), all borrowers with a right to rescind must receive a copy of the CD, which includes title-only borrowers in order to start the waiting period.

This week will be a short week, with markets closed on Thursday and closing early on Friday, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. However, there is a full week of housing news ahead with the National Association of Home Builders’ housing market sentiment index, housing starts and building permits, and existing home sales all scheduled for release.

Mortgage rates continued to hold steady last week and did not move significantly up or down. Both new purchase and refinance mortgage application submissions declined. The consumer price index had the biggest increase in nine months and retail sales exceeded expectations. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell gave a speech to the Dallas Fed on Wednesday and shared his optimistic economic outlook heading into 2019.

You know you need to protect your social security number, but did you know your children may be at risk too? Credit-reporting bureau Experian announced more than $1 million children have their identities stolen each year and warned one in four children will be a victim of identity theft before adulthood. Child identity theft can be especially detrimental to your children’s credit scores, because often it is not noticed or reported until much later, when they go to open their first bank account or apply for student loans.

Less than a decade ago, housing professionals were expecting the “great senior selloff” when Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, started downsizing and selling their larger family homes. However, a new report from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies forecasts a growth in remodeling projects as more Baby Boomers choose to age in place. According to the study, out of the 80% of Baby Boomers who own homes, two-thirds of them expect to stay in their homes and make modifications to accommodate them as they age. Rather than a glut of housing for sale, today’s buyers are instead facing a tight market.

Some markets are closed today in observance of Veterans Day, which was yesterday. This week, the only significant housing news to report will be the Mortgage Bankers Association weekly mortgage application survey. Other market moving reports include the consumer price index and retail sales.

Public transit, like Atlanta’s MARTA stations, tend to take up a lot of land, leaving vacant expanses. In the late 70s, Atlanta’s public transit operator installed an amphitheater at the Five Points station with the hope of revitalizing the neighborhood and making the entertainment center accessible through public transit. However, the amphitheater failed to draw crowds and sat largely unused for decades. Today the space has been converted into a soccer field, the first of its kind to sit inside of a transit station, and the first of a network of fields sprouting up throughout Atlanta.

Midwestern states including Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin, sometimes known as the Rust Belt, are experiencing a revival. After the decline of manufacturing bases like Detroit, this region suffered economically. As coastal home prices increase, and more companies and businesses are choosing to migrate to the Midwest and Great Lakes regions for lower taxes and affordable housing more, causing more Millennials are to put down roots in the Rust Belt.

Election Day is tomorrow, don’t forget to exercise your right to vote in the 2018 Midterm Elections! Election results sometimes influence economic markets, so rates may experience some volatility this week. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets Wednesday and Thursday and will release a statement Thursday afternoon. It will be a slow week for housing news, the only directly-related housing report will be the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey on Wednesday. Other market-moving reports include the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) on Tuesday.

The US economy looks like it’s heading toward a strong finish for 2018. The ADP employment report was stronger than expected and construction spending was unchanged overall, but residential spending improved. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index appreciated, but price appreciation has started to slow.

The FICO credit score is the most widely accepted credit score used by banks and lenders to determine a borrower’s ability to repay a loan or line of credit. The FICO credit score is influenced by five factors: payment history (35%), total amount owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), credit mix (10%), and new credit (10%). Early next year, FICO plans to adjust their scoring system to include how consumers manage the cash in their checking, savings, and money market accounts, the most significant change to the scoring system since the early 1990s.

Before flocking to Florida, Arizona, or another retirement hotbed, retiring Americans could consider relocating to college towns. College towns could be the next best place to retire because they are known for affordable housing, walkability, arts, cultural, and sporting activities, plus accessible healthcare services. The Balance evaluated college towns around the country to compile the top 10 for retirees.

Heading into the end of the month, there are a couple more housing reports scheduled for this week. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index will come out on Tuesday and the US construction spending report comes out on Thursday. In other market-moving news, the ADP employment report is scheduled for release on Wednesday.

Mortgage rates did not move significantly this week. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) released its house price index and indicated home price appreciation has started to slow. New home sales declined, but the pending home sales index recovered.

Denver is one of the most heated housing markets in the nation, consistently leading the Case-Shiller home price index with double digit rates of annual appreciation. In 2016, over 1,000 families were reportedly moving to Denver every month. Such a sustained influx of residents has put a crunch on available housing inventory. As a result, the West Denver Renaissance Collaborative has proposed a new plan that creates more places to live without building more homes. Through the initiative, homeowners become landlords by renting out detached units on their property known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or sometimes “granny flats.”

With so much focus on Millennial home buyers, the next incoming generation of buyers has been slightly overlooked. According to Zillow, 3% of last year’s home buyers were born after 1995, meaning over 100,000 homeowners across the country are 23 and younger. “I’m a little surprised to see the numbers as large as they are,” commented Rob Dietz, chief economist and senior vice president for economics and housing policy for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Average mortgage rates have started to plateau, after climbing earlier this month. Although rates have started to trend upward, they are still near the lowest levels in the past decade. This week, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) will release its house price index and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release the new home sales report and the pending home sales index.

Mortgage rates held steady this week with no significant movement to report. The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) housing market sentiment index improved, with builders optimistic about solid buyer demand. Housing starts fell and building permits slipped slightly. Existing home sales declined.

Do you want to own your own home, but don't want to drain your entire savings to accomplish this? You may want to consider an all-in-one mortgage. This product allows you to combine your mortgage and savings. Let's take a look a look at how it works.

In a recent report, CoreLogic found mortgage fraud risk increased 12% since last year. Based on the data, one out of every 109 mortgage applications had indications of fraud ranging from undisclosed real estate liabilities to questionable down payment sources to income falsification.

Earlier this month, the Senate voted to confirm Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, solidifying a conservative tilt. The latest balance shift has many in Washington revisiting the question of what will happen to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) leadership structure. Previously, Kavanaugh has written that he believes the way the CFPB is currently structured is unconstitutional. He also authored the Court of Appeals decision in the PHH Corp. vs CFPB case that declared the CFPB leadership structure unconstitutional in 2016.

There is a busy week of housing news ahead, with important data scheduled for release including the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) housing market sentiment index, housing starts and building permits and existing home sales. Builder sentiment was positive last month, unchanged from the previous month. Housing starts jumped, but building permits tapered off. Existing home sales were also unchanged.

Some markets were closed on Monday in observance of Columbus Day, thus it was a slow week for housing news. The only housing-related report was the weekly mortgage application survey. Other market-moving reports included the weekly jobless claims report and the consumer price index.

Debt-to-income ratio or DTI is one of the key components of your financial profile lenders review when evaluating whether or not you are a good candidate for mortgage financing. DTI thresholds vary depending on the lender and the type of mortgage loan. Generally, the lower your DTI the better, so lowering your DTI by paying down long-term debts and limiting credit card use is a good idea before you apply for mortgage financing.

Pedestrian traffic deaths reached a 25-year high last year. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association almost 6,000 pedestrians were killed in 2017. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is working to reverse this figure with a simple street redesign currently popping up at intersections in New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. By adding rubber bumpers to intersections, drivers who are turning left are forced to slow down, and even lessen the sharpness of their turn, reducing the risk of vehicle-pedestrian Collison.

Nearly ten years into economic recovery, the average American FICO score climbed again, hitting a record high of 704. 2018 marks the eighth year of credit score increases, since the average FICO score hit an all time low of 686 in the wake of the Great Recession. All age brackets saw their average FICO score increase, led by Baby Boomers and Generation Xers.

Some markets are closed today in observance of the Columbus Day holiday. Mortgage rates have started to trend upward in reaction to last month’s Federal Reserve rate hike. Mortgage applications reacted to the news, with new purchase application submissions increasing and refinance application submissions declining last week. Other market-moving reports scheduled for release this week include the weekly jobless claims report and the consumer price index.

Earlier this month, Hurricane Florence caused an estimated $20 to $30 billion of damage to commercial and residential properties throughout North and South Carolina. Unfortunately, an estimated 85% of residential property losses were uninsured, and less than 10% of properties in North Carolina had flood insurance.

In the wake of last year’s Equifax data breach, a new federal law will allow consumers to freeze and unfreeze their credit for free with all major credit bureaus. Previously, credit freezes and unfreezes cost consumers anywhere between $3 and $12 each. A credit freeze prevents lenders from pulling a credit report, thus preventing criminals from taking out new lines of credit with a stolen identity.

An alarming trend is emerging among young Millennial workers around the country. According to a recent survey from ETrade, over a third of Millennials are making withdrawals from their 401(k) plans or retirement accounts. They are using the money for everything from paying down debts, making large purchases, and going on vacations. 401(k) and other retirement plans compound interest overtime, thus increasing in value. When young workers withdraw from retirement accounts prematurely they are losing the interest they could have gained.

Last week, the Federal Open Market Committee voted to raise the benchmark interest rates, and mortgage rates reacted accordingly. This week in housing news, US construction spending report comes out on Monday and the weekly mortgage application survey comes out on Wednesday. The ADP employment report comes out on Wednesday.

This week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to raise the federal benchmark interest rate for the third time this year. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell cited a strong labor market and continued economic expansion as reasons for the rate hike. In housing news, new home sales jumped, and home price appreciation slowed.

In the wake of last week’s hurricane and with an especially active hurricane season expected, disaster preparedness is more important than ever. When hurricanes, forest fires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters damage your home or impact your ability to pay your mortgage you have several options. Before disaster strikes, review these ways to stay safe, physically and financially.

Many metros across the country from the Bay Area to our nation’s capital have experienced a recent influx of new sidewalk clutter in the form of dockless electric scooters. Bird, Lime, and other startups have “dropped” e-scooters in urban areas to relieve busy public transportation and give pedestrians a new, more efficient way to commute. Curbed correspondent, Sarah Goodyear, describes the dropping of these scooters to the way an unruly teenager drops laundry around the house. The new trend of “docklessness” revives the question as old as cities themselves, “who owns the sidewalk and who is responsible for keeping it clean?”

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) enacted earlier this year provided the most sweeping changes to the tax code in decades. One of the most relevant changes for homeowners was the new cap for mortgage interest deductions. With tax cuts increasing wages, the savings rate improving, and the economy booming, some homeowners may consider paying off their mortgage sooner, especially with the changes to the mortgage interest tax deduction. MarketWatch columnist, Peter Morici, suggests, “The new tax law should cause many folks to consider paying off their mortgages but that is hardly best for everyone.”

The Federal Open Market Committee will meet this Tuesday and Wednesday and markets are pricing in a rate hike. Sustained economic growth, a healthy labor market, and strong consumer spending have all pushed the inflation rate toward the Federal Reserve’s benchmark and support the case for raising the benchmark interest rate. In other housing news, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index will come out on Tuesday and the National Association of Realtors’ new home sales report comes out on Wednesday.

City streets and sidewalks in the United States have been engineered for decades to keep vehicle occupants and pedestrians safe. If streets include trees at all, they might be planted in small sidewalk pits, where, if constrained and with little water, they live only three to 10 years on average. Until recently, U.S. streets have also lacked cycle tracks—paths exclusively for bicycles between the road and the sidewalk, protected from cars by some type of barrier.

Construction activity boomed in August, housing starts posted a significant increase. Building permits, however, declined. The National Association of Home Builders’ housing market index was unchanged but remains positive. Existing home sales were unchanged month-over-month but down year-over-year.

Amazon.com Inc.’s founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, the richest man in modern history, on Thursday stepped up his plans for major philanthropic giving by pledging $2 billion to set up the charitable “Bezos Day One Fund.”

As home prices rise, so do mortgage down payments. Many potential home buyers are dissuaded from starting their home search because of the myth of the 20% down payment. According to Down Payment Resources, home buyers younger than 37-years-old put down an average of 7%. Looking to buy a home but lacking the 20% down payment? Consider one of these popular low down payment mortgage options.

After years of renting in San Francisco and Oakland, we bought a home in Walnut Creek (a small city in the Bay Area) for $545,000 in 2010—when the market was relatively slow. The house was the smallest model in a 1960s neighborhood at 1,445 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. But it sat on a spacious 9,375-square-foot lot. It was a dream cosmetic fixer. Over seven years, we made it our own. We installed new interior doors and baseboards, gave away the wall-to-wall carpeting on Craigslist, and refinished the original hardwood floor. We painted the interior and exteriors, removed popcorn ceilings, and remodeled both bathrooms and the kitchen.

Buying a home is the biggest purchase most Americans will make in a lifetime and saving for a down payment is the biggest obstacle to making that purchase. Often, the down payment will include a significant portion of the home buyer’s life savings, especially for first-time buyers. Earlier this month, CNBC reported on a new variant of wire transfer fraud schemes targeting home buyers at the time of closing, in some cases wiping out their entire down payment savings with no chance of recouping the funds.

Millennials may be delaying marriage but not homeownership, according to a recent study. In 1985, 75% of first-time home buyers were married couples. Today, married couples make up 57% of first-time home buyers. The National Association of Realtors’ managing director of survey research commented, “it’s absolutely a trend. People feel fine purchasing a home without a ring.”

Contributing to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan is an effective way to save for retirement: You get significant tax advantages, the money is automatically taken from your paycheck before you have the chance to spend it and, often, companies offer a match, which is essentially free money.

There is a full week of housing news ahead, with the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) housing market sentiment index on Monday followed by housing starts and building permits on Wednesday and existing home sales on Thursday.

Average mortgage rates did not move significantly this week, trending downward according to Mortgage News Daily. Both revolving and nonrevolving consumer borrowing increased. Job openings surged to a record high. New purchase applications were up but refinance applications were down.

The famous line Location, Location, Location is not a joke when it comes to choosing the right neighborhood for your new home. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or moving up into your forever home, where you buy matters. Before you start your home search, determine where you want to buy. Narrow down the right neighborhood by reviewing these major influencers.

A new five-day Girl Scout Camp in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota resulted in two habitable tiny houses built entirely by Girl Scouts in grades 6 to 12. The first Power Girls camp was hosted by the Girl Scouts River Valleys and Dunwoody and took place in Camp Lakamaga. The goal of the camp was to teach girls the skills they needed to build a home from start to finish. The products of the camp will be donated to an organization chosen by the proud Girl Scouts.

Last month, ATTOM Data Solutions released a report showing 24.5% of all mortgaged properties were equity rich in Q2 2018. “Equity rich” is defined as a home with a loan-to-value ratio of 50% or lower. Collectively, American homeowners have accrued over $15 trillion in home equity, over a trillion and a half dollars more than the highest levels before the recession. What are they doing with it?

Loan Servicing FAQs have been added to the CLEAR Resources tab.After signing into CLEAR, click on Resouces. The Servicing FAQ link can be found on the left side of the page. Here you will find the answer to many of your borrowers servicing questions.

Plastic Whale is a professional plastic fishing company that offers boat trips during which tourists — while sightseeing — will pick up plastic from Amsterdam's canals. The plastic bottles that are being collected get turned into office furniture, in collaboration with Vepa.

By now it's no secret that there's a direct link between sleep and work performance. The numbers are staggering: The National Safety Council has estimated that fatigued employees cost employers about $136 billion a year in lost productivity.

You will need a home appraisal when you’re buying a new home, selling your current home, or refinancing your mortgage. Home appraisals are conducted by an independent appraiser to determine the value of the home. When you are selling your home and the appraisal comes in lower than expected, you could run into some difficulty including the buyer backing out of the sale or the lender denying the buyer the loan they need to purchase the home. If you’re selling your home and you get a lower appraisal than expected, here are the steps you can take to dispute it.

After an exceptionally hot summer, urban planners are investigating more ways to reduce temperatures in cities around the country. Because of the “heat island” effect, urban areas tend to be 10 to 20 degrees hotter than surrounding rural areas. AccuWeather Expert Senior Meteorologist, Tom Kines, explains, “it’s kind of like a brick fireplace; even when the fire goes out, the heat is still in the bricks. This is the same thing in a city.”

On Aug. 17, the Internal Revenue Service released a private letter ruling that could make it easier for employers to use their 401(k) plans to assist their employees who are repaying student loan debt.

A federal banking regulator said on Tuesday it will begin soliciting input on decades-old rules on bank lending in low-income communities, kicking off a long awaited and potentially contentious rulewriting process.

Despite the down payment obstacle, first-time home buyers continue to dominate the housing market. For the past decade, first-time home buyers have comprised the largest share of home buyers, even though affordability concerns, specifically related to the down payment, have caused many would-be first-time home buyers to delay home purchase.

Markets are closed today in observance of the Labor Day holiday. In housing news, the US construction report comes out on Tuesday and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey comes out on Wednesday. Other market moving data includes the ADP employment report.

Mortgage rates have not moved significantly this week, trending slightly upward following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole Symposium speech. The Fed is expected to continue raising rates to keep up with strong economic growth. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index appreciated in June, but at a slower pace. Both new purchase and refinance mortgage application submissions declined. Pending home sales fell for the seventh straight month.

Most buyers in the marketplace today need to rely on a mortgage to fund their next purchase. But as interest rates rise, buying can become less affordable, and as you know, owing a mortgage could mean doubling a home's total price. But the innovative All In One Loan™ is a smarter alternative to traditional mortgages - one far less dependent on interest rates.

Every year, researchers look forward to the release of the most extensive publicly available mortgage market data: the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data. This rich dataset has been instrumental in revealing critical developments in mortgage lending across the nation.

For most Americans, a home is the first appreciating asset they will own. Unlike stock market investments, the housing market is relatively stable, and most homes tend to appreciate over time. This fact has some Americans asking the question, “is paying off your home saving for retirement?” To some extent, the answer is yes.

Applying for college, going on a job interview, and hosting Thanksgiving dinner can all be stressful life events, but according to a recent survey, none of those compare to buying a home. Out of 2,000 Americans surveyed by Homes.com, 40% of respondents cited buying a home as the most stressful event in modern life and 33% admitted to shedding tears at some point in the home-buying process.

New homeowners take notice, your landscape needs to be an early priority. Whether your home is brand new or new to you, landscaping is a key part of making it your own. Your landscape shows off your style and is your “welcome home” at the end of the day. Well done landscaping can quickly boost the perceived value of your home, and may inspire your neighbors to take on their own landscaping challenges. Enjoying a great yard is one of the best parts of owning a home.

Mortgage rates have not moved significantly for the past two weeks, even trending downward according to some sources. This week, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index will come out on Tuesday and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) pending home sales index will come out on Wednesday.

Mortgage rates have not moved much this week, trending downward according to some sources. Steady mortgage rates triggered some mortgage activity, with both new purchase and refinance applications increasing. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey increased 4.2% week-over-week. Existing home sales and new home sales each declined and the FHFA house price index appreciated.

Even if your home is not located on a shore or beach, you may be living in a flood zone. According to the Environmental Research Letter, over 41 million Americans are currently living in flood zones, and this includes seemingly landlocked locations. In the wake of last year’s particularly devastating hurricane season, Flood Insurance is at the forefront of many homeowners’ minds. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) paid over $8 billion to homeowners with flood insurance policies in 2017.

As more Millennials start to enter the housing market as first-time home buyers, an alarming trend has emerged. According to a recent Bank of the West survey of 600 homeowners ages 21-34 from, one in three took out loans against their retirement account to pay for their down payment. Saving for a down payment is one of the most commonly reported obstacles to homeownership. In fact, almost 70% of renters consider it the greatest barrier to homeownership. However, borrowing against or withdrawing savings from a retirement account could set the home buyer up for long-term financial consequences.

Mortgage rates trended slightly downward last week. There are several important housing reports scheduled for this week, including existing home sales and new home sales. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) house price index is also slated for release.

Compared to previous generations, millennials have been slower to become homeowners. Factors like high student debt, sluggish wage growth, and other residuals from the Great Recession have impacted their ability to buy homes. Of the millennials who are homeowners (approximately 4 in 10), 68% have expressed buyer’s remorse, with the top concern being spending too much money on the down payment.

Ecommerce giant Amazon is known for disrupting a broad spectrum of industries from book publishing to grocery shopping. Its most recent acquisition of PillPack, the online pharmacy, marks its first significant reach into the healthcare industry and resulted in a collective loss of $14.5 billion in market valuation of six major healthcare-related stocks. With Amazon tapping into so many industries, it’s not surprising that a rumor has started about a possible mortgage lending division. Forbes contributor, Mike Eshelman, explained why the formation of an Amazon mortgage bank is unlikely.

Mortgage rates continued to hold steady last week. This week, the home builders’ sentiment index will come out on Tuesday, along with the weekly mortgage application survey. Housing starts and building permits are also scheduled for release.

Mortgage rates have not shifted significantly this week. The Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) showed job openings have increased to the third-highest level in the report’s 18-year history. Revolving consumer credit fell slightly after last month’s surge, and nonrevolving credit increased. Both new purchase and refinance applications declined.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to leave the benchmark interest rate unchanged and mortgage rates did not move much following the news. This week, the Labor Department will release its Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). Consumer credit is also on the schedule. The only significant housing report will be the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) met Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, and as expected, did not make any interest rate moves. Most economists are predicting two additional rate hikes this year, one in September, then another in December. The National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) pending home sales index surged after several months of tepid data. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index continues to appreciate.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will meet Tuesday and Wednesday of this week and release an announcement following the meeting on Wednesday afternoon. The Fed is not likely to raise interest rates following this meeting, the market expects the next rate hike to take place later this year. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release its pending home sales index on Monday. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index comes out on Tuesday.

Mortgage rates did not move significantly last week, continuing to hold steady. The existing home sales report comes out on Monday, followed by the new home sales report on Wednesday. The weekly mortgage application survey is also scheduled for release on Wednesday.

Mortgage rates were largely unchanged again this week, not trending significantly up or down. The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) housing market sentiment index did not move up or down, with builders staying positive about buyer demand. Mortgage application submissions flipped, with new purchase applications down and refinance applications up. Housing starts and building permits each declined.

Home sellers choose the “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) route because they believe they will earn a larger profit by not having to pay their real estate agent a commission fee. FSBO transactions tend to become even more popular in a seller’s market. In 2016, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported the average FSBO sales price was $185,000, compared to the average $245,000 for a home represented by a real estate agent. A staggering $60,000 difference, even despite the commission cost for the real estate agent.

With no significant mortgage rate movement to report, rates are holding steady this month. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will release its housing market sentiment index on Tuesday. Housing starts and building permits are scheduled for release on Wednesday, along with the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey.

Mortgage rates did not move significantly up or down this week. It was a light week for housing news, but the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey showed a surge in new purchase mortgage applications. Consumer credit also increased substantially. The Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) cooled down after reaching a record level in April.

Financial institutions around the country have seen an increase in wire fraud activity this year, especially through email phishing and ransomware. According to the Verizon Business 2018 Data Breach Investigations report, ransomware was the fifth most prevalent cybersecurity threat, impacting more businesses than traditional malware, spyware, and the use of stolen credentials. Email phishing and ransomware can have a devastating impact on the finances of consumers and businesses alike.

With the short week last week, mortgage rates did not move much up or down. There are no significant housing reports scheduled for this week, other than the weekly mortgage application survey set for release on Wednesday. The consumer credit report comes out on Monday and the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) will be released on Tuesday.

CMG offers odd term amortizations on Conventional, FHA and VA fixed rate loans. There is a pricing hit of 0.15 for odd term amortization which is listed in the miscellaneous section found on page 2 and 3 of the daily rate sheet.

Markets were closed on Wednesday of this week, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Mortgage rates did not move significantly up or down. Construction spending increased, driven by spending on public projects. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey showed an increase in new purchase applications, but a decrease in refinance applications. The ADP employment report was gainful, but less than expected.

In the digital age, many home buyers feel they can skip partnering with a professional Realtor or real estate agent because of their access to listing websites and other online tools. While listing sites like Zillow and Trulia can help a home buyer find out what’s for sale in their area and start shopping, there are still many advantages to continuing your search with an established Realtor or real estate agent.

Mortgage rates held steady last week, not moving much in either direction. This week, markets are closed on Wednesday in observance of Independence Day. In housing news, US construction spending comes out on Monday and the weekly mortgage application survey comes out on Wednesday. The ADP employment report is also scheduled for release.

Asset depletion (must be eligible assets) may be used on conforming loans regardless of the borrower’s age.Complete details may be found on page 42 of the Conventional Conforming Guidelines.CLICK HERE to access the guidelines.

Mortgage rates did not move much last week, holding steady after the rate hike earlier this month. This week, the new home sales report will come out on Monday, followed by the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index, and pending home sales later in the week.

Last week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to raise the benchmark interest rate, and mortgage rates reacted accordingly. This week will be a big week for housing news, with the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) housing market sentiment index scheduled for release on Monday, housing starts and building permits on Tuesday, and existing home sales on Wednesday.

The loan submission checklists are built inside of the loan in CLEAR. The checklist in the loan is specific to the transaction and may be found under the Images File Tab, Submissions and Conditions, Submission Checklist.

In a highly-anticipated move the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to raise the benchmark interest rate on Wednesday to a range of 1.75-2.0%. Mortgage rates reacted by trending upward. Both new purchase and refinance mortgage applications took a downturn this week, after rising the previous week. Retail sales were especially strong, suggesting sustained Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth into second quarter.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week for their fourth semiannual monetary policy meeting of the year. So far this year, the Federal Reserve has raised the benchmark interest rate once. Earlier projections had slated three interest rate hikes this year. Mortgage application submissions jumped last week, as interest rates started to subside. Other market moving reports scheduled for release include retail sales, coming out on Thursday.

Mortgage rates did not move significantly this week, leveling off this month after climbing in May. The Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) showed recorded growth in job openings. Both new purchase and refinance applications turned around after several weeks of declines. Consumer credit growth was modest.

Saving for a down payment is the most commonly reported obstacle to homeownership. With rents rising and student debt accumulating, the problem is even more exacerbated with first-time home buyers trying to enter the market. As the down payment obstacle persists, the demand for down payment assistance has also continued to increase. According to a Scotsman Guide interview with Down Payment Resource CEO Rob Chrane, as of the first quarter of 2018 there are approximately 2,503 down payment assistance programs nationwide, and the demand for down payment help is likely to continue.

As part of the transition to CLEAR, when utilizing Fannie Mae’s Desktop Originator (DO) system to run your automated underwriting responses and then assign the casefile to CMG Financial, you will need to make a transition to a new CMG investor name, “CMG Financial – CLEAR New”. This new CMG Financial investor name inside of DO will be utilized for loans that are created in CLEAR after you start creating loans in the new system. The new name should NOT be used on transactions created in CMG’s current third-party portal.

Mortgage rates have started to level off after climbing most of the first half of the year. This week will be a slow week for economic news, the only housing report scheduled is the weekly mortgage application survey on Wednesday. In employment news, the Labor Department will release its Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) on Tuesday. The consumer credit report comes out on Thursday.

Mortgage rates continued their downward trend this week, though there was no significant movement to report. The S&P Core-Logic Case-Shiller home price index showed home price appreciation has started to ease up as mortgage rates climb. The ADP employment report continued to show a strong labor market. Pending home sales declined, as limited for-sale inventory continues to create a competitive market.

At this year’s Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Secondary Marketing conference, one of the most prevalent topics of discussion was the growing market for different types of mortgage loans besides common options like the 30-year fixed rate mortgage. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the cornerstone of American homeownership and has helped families nationwide become homeowners for almost a century. As the housing market changes, interest rates fluctuate, and regulations evolve, newer, more innovative mortgage products are starting to emerge. In today’s mortgage market, your mortgage should not be “one size fits all.”

Markets are closed today in observance of Memorial Day. Coming up this week, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index will reveal whether or not home price appreciation has started to slow down. The ADP employment report is scheduled for release on Wednesday. Thursday’s pending home sales index will help predict housing’s direction heading into the summer.

This week will be packed with housing reports including new home sales, existing home sales, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) house price index. New home sales surged last month and are expected to continue to strengthen with sustained buyer demand. Existing home sales increased less significantly last month, as home buyers are vying over many of the same house prices. The FHFA house price index is expected to continue to appreciate, at a more moderate pace.

Mortgage rates continued to trend upward this week. The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) housing market sentiment index increased by two points with builders maintaining a positive outlook. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey declined, pushed down by a drop in refinance applications. Housing starts and building permits each fell, but single-family home construction was positive.

In the midst of the busy home buying and selling season, fraudulent activity becomes more prevalent. Due to the recent increase in Wire Transfer Fraud activity, it is important to remain vigilant by staying aware throughout the transaction and reporting any suspicious activity immediately.

Mortgage rates started to level off last week, amidst influence from global economic changes. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will release its housing market sentiment index on Tuesday and it’s likely to remain positive. Housing starts and building permits come out on Wednesday. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) will also release its weekly mortgage application survey on Wednesday.

Mortgage rates did not move significantly last week, holding steady after the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) decision to leave interest rates unchanged. The consumer credit report comes out on Monday, and though the report excludes mortgage financing, it analyzes other consumer borrowing habits and consumer spending. In employment news, the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) will come out on Tuesday. There are no significant housing reports scheduled for release this week, besides the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey on Wednesday.

A Permanent Resident Alien is an official U.S. Government classification for Individuals who are granted permanent residence status in the U.S. Documentation is commonly referred to as a ‘Green Card’. Permanent Resident Aliens must provide any of the following documents to validate acceptable status:

Average mortgage rates reached year-long highs last week, ahead of this week’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. The Federal Reserve is expected to continue raising rates this year, but not at the upcoming meeting on May 1st and 2nd. The US construction report comes out on Tuesday, followed by the ADP employment report on Wednesday. Strong jobs reports are supportive of continued rate hikes, but core inflation has yet to break the targeted 3.0% threshold.

Mortgage rates trended slightly upward this week. Existing home sales increased month-over-month but declined year-over-year. Home prices continue to appreciate, as limited inventory strains for-sale availability. New home sales surged, and revisions to the previous two months’ reports indicate that buyer demand in the first quarter of 2018 was stronger than originally thought.

Mortgage rates trended slightly upward last week, and mortgage application submissions surged with many buyers looking to lock rates ahead of future increases. This week, there are numerous important housing reports scheduled for release including existing home sales, new home sales, and the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index.

Mortgage rates did not move significantly this week, trending slightly upward according to some sources. Retail sales rebounded with strength after several months of ticking downward. The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) housing market index dropped by one point, but the reading was still positive. Housing starts and building permits each increased.

Last week, there was no significant mortgage rate movement to report. This week’s important housing reports include the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) housing market index on Monday and housing starts and building permits on Tuesday. Other market moving reports include the retail sales report, scheduled for release on Monday.

Mortgage rates did not move significantly this week. Both new purchase and refinance mortgage application submissions declined. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released the minutes from its March meeting and the overall tone was optimistic. The Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) showed job openings dipped.

This week will be a light week for housing news. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) will release its weekly mortgage application survey on Wednesday. The Federal Reserve will also release the minutes from its March Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on Wednesday. In employment news, the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) will come out on Friday.

This week, Freddie Mac announced updates to its loan-to-value (LTV) ratio guidelines for purchases and “no-cash-out” refinance mortgages used for second homes, any 1-unit residential property owned by the borrower but only occupied for a portion of the year, and 2-unit primary residences, such as duplexes.

Mortgage rates have trended slightly downward in recent weeks, reacting to uncertainty surrounding global trade and plunging technology sector stocks. This week, the US construction spending report comes out on Monday and the weekly mortgage application survey comes out on Wednesday. The ADP employment report is also scheduled for release on Wednesday.

Mortgage rates trended slightly downward this week, following strong economic gains. Home prices continue to appreciate, due to low housing inventory. Both new purchase and refinance mortgage application submissions increased. The pending home sales index turned around after last month’s decline.

Mortgage rates continued to trend upward last week, but buyer demand remains strong. Homes are selling increasingly faster, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in last week’s existing home sales report. This week, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index will review home price appreciation trends, and the pending home sales index will show what to expect in terms of sales in the coming months. Additionally, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey comes out on Wednesday.

Average mortgage rates did not move much in either direction this week. In a highly anticipated move, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to raise the benchmark interest rate .25 bps. Existing home sales rebounded, but new home sales fell slightly.

Lenders use a home buyer’s credit score to determine credit risk and evaluate their ability to repay a loan. A good FICO credit score is instrumental to securing a mortgage loan and, in some cases, getting a better interest rate. Most mortgage professionals suggest potential home buyers start credit repair at least six months to a year before shopping for a home. Remember, each hard credit pull, like the kind needed for a new line of credit like a mortgage, will impact the credit score! A little credit repair now goes a long way when it comes to a high-dollar purchase later.

Mortgage rates trended slightly downward last week, following a few weeks of steady increases. New tariffs on construction materials have caused political discord and could stall home building activity. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will meet Tuesday and Wednesday for their semi-annual monetary policy meeting. A press conference with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled for Wednesday. February’s existing home sales and new home sales reports are also scheduled for release.

Mortgage rates trended slightly downward this week after a multi-week climb. Some market analysts attribute the rate drop to this week’s tariff proposals and other political news. Retail sales scaled slightly back in February, as is expected following the holiday season. The housing market index dropped from last month’s 19-year high. Housing starts and building permits slipped.

Mortgage rates did not fluctuate greatly last week, leveling off after an upward trend. Refinance mortgage applications picked up, but new purchase applications pulled back slightly. This week, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will release its housing market sentiment index and housing starts and building permits will come out on Friday.

Mortgage rates are not moving much this week, leveling out after inching slightly upward. New purchase mortgage application submissions declined, but refinance application submissions improved. The ADP employment report strengthened again, as the job market nears full employment. Consumer credit expanded in January, but at a slower pace than in December, as expected.

As expected, mortgage rates continued to trend slightly upward this week. Unseasonably cold winter weather stalled new home sales again this month. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index appreciated month-over-month and year-over-year. The pending home sales index declined.

Mortgage rates continued to trend upward last week. Heading into the end of February, this week brings some end-of-month reports including, new home sales, pending home sales, and the Case-Shiller Home Price Index.

Mortgage rates continue to trend upward but are averaging less than half of a percentage point higher than they were this time last year. The weekly mortgage application survey showed a week-over-week decline, but a year-over-year increase. Existing home sales scaled back, though not as drastically as they did in December. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released the minutes from its January meeting, and the market expects the first rate hike of the year to take place in March.

New to the mortgage process? You are probably seeing a lot of new acronyms you may not be familiar with. The monthly mortgage payment, for example, is comprised of “PITI” or Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance. When budgeting for the cost of a monthly mortgage payment, home buyers should consider the cost of each of these components.

Most banks and markets are closed today in observance of Presidents' Day. This will be a short week for economic data, though two important housing reports will be released. The weekly mortgage application survey and existing home sales are scheduled to come out on Wednesday. Additionally, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will release the minutes from its January meeting.

Saving for a down payment is one of the most commonly reported obstacles to homeownership and continues to slow down the home buying process for creditworthy borrowers. As rents and home prices continue to rise, almost every demographic, especially first-time home buyers, are experiencing difficulties in saving for a down payment.

Mortgage rates continued to rise this week. Next week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will release the minutes from its January meeting, the last meeting with Janet Yellen as Federal Reserve Chair. Retail sales slumped slightly in January, after a gainful holiday season. The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) housing market index was unchanged and housing starts and building permits surged.

Heading into 2018, housing continues to struggle with a lack of inventory. In addition to difficulty hiring skilled laborers, rising construction costs are impacting the ability for builders to replenish the buyer demand for supply. A Cleveland-based architecture firm, Redhouse Studio, is experimenting with a way to reuse construction materials and convert demolition waste, like timber, concrete, and asphalt, into new building materials.

Mortgage rates did not move much last week, and the likelihood of a March rate hike has dropped following some stock market volatility. This week’s important housing reports scheduled for release are the home builders’ sentiment index and housing starts and building permits. Though home builder confidence declined last month, home builders were setting record confidence levels most of the past year. Housing starts and building permits were hurt last December by frigid winter weather. Other market-moving reports include retail sales and retail sales excluding auto; consumer spending is a big driver of economic momentum.

Mortgage rates did not move significantly either way this week. Most market volatility took place in the Stock Market sphere, when after months of record-setting highs the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped the most points ever in a single day, and then proceeded to rebound the next day. Job openings declined slightly, and the unemployment level remains historically low. Refinance mortgage application submissions increased but new purchase applications were unchanged week-over-week. Consumer credit expanded less significantly than it did the previous month.

Mortgage rates did not move much last week, after the Federal Open Market Committee voted to leave interest rates unchanged. This week, there will be no significant housing reports other than the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey. The Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) comes out on Tuesday and consumer credit comes out on Wednesday. Though they are not housing specific reports, labor market and consumer spending activity spur economic momentum and impact housing.

Mortgage rates did not move much in either direction this week, after the previous week’s upward trend. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) met Tuesday and Wednesday, and as expected voted unanimously against a rate hike. In housing news, home values continue to appreciate, the pending home sales index increased for the third month in a row, and US construction spending was strong.

Mortgage rates are continuing their upward trend. The Federal Open Market Committee will meet Tuesday and Wednesday but will not hold a press conference following the meeting. This will be the last meeting with Janet Yellen as Federal Reserve Chair. Jerome Powell was confirmed as the new Federal Reserve Chair last week. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index comes out on Tuesday, pending home sales comes out on Wednesday, and US construction spending will come out on Thursday.

Mortgage rates continued their upward trend this week. Based on this week’s housing reports, activity slowed down in December. Cold winter weather across the country limited construction and stalled sales. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) house price index appreciated, and existing home sales and new home sales each declined.

City planners incorporate tree canopies and other green spaces in urban design because of their proven ability to lower wind speed and energy consumption, reduce pollution and heat, and improve neighborhoods’ livability. A new study from Ecological Modelling estimates planting trees can save cities as much as $505 million annually on costs related to air pollution, storm water drainage, energy, and carbon emissions.

Mortgage rates trended upward last week, reacting to the end-of-year rate hike. This week, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) releases its house price index. The existing home sales report comes out on Wednesday and the new home sales report comes out Thursday.

Mortgage rates trended upward this week, reaching the highest average level in the past 10 months. New purchase and refinance mortgage application submissions each increased, home builder confidence scaled back, and housing starts and building permits felt the winter freeze.

Builders and city planners made big strides in sustainable design in 2017. Real estate blog Curbed ranked some of the most resourceful design trends: from shifts to solar and wind energy, to making cities more walkable, to paving better roads, sustainable development is having a positive impact across the country and the world.

Markets are closed today in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Mortgage rates are trending upward, heading into 2018. This week’s important housing reports include the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey, the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) housing market index, and housing starts and building permits.

Mortgage rates trended upward this week and both new purchase and refinance mortgage application submissions rebounded after a few slowed weeks. Consumer credit expanded for the third straight month. Job openings dropped off, as the market nears full employment. Retail sales improved.

In cities across the country, renters are feeling the burden of rising rental rates. High-cost areas like large cities are hit especially hard by high rents. A new startup, HomeShare, has partnered with 10 properties in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and New York City to match renters with roommates to share the space and cost of high-priced rentals. HomeShare functions by converting living rooms into an extra bedroom, so roommates each get their own bedroom and closet, and in some cases a private bathroom, for a fraction of the market rental rate.

CMG Financial is attending the NAHB International Builders' Show in Orlando, FL from January 9th - 11th. Visit us in the South Hall Booth S2640 and check out our new service HomeFundItTM, the first and only approved down payment crowdfunding platform.

Last week, mortgage rates started to trend slightly upward. This week, there are no significant housing reports scheduled, other than the weekly mortgage application survey. Market-moving reports include consumer credit, the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), and retail sales.

This week was another short week with markets closed on Monday in observance of New Year’s Day. Mortgage rates did not move much this week, starting their upward trend following the end of the year rate hike. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) resumed the release of the mortgage application survey. US construction spending improved and the ADP employment report strengthened.

As the host of the 2028 Olympics, Los Angeles has a traffic problem to solve. As the third most populous city in the United States, Los Angeles residents experience extreme traffic congestion every day. In an effort to alleviate traffic, Los Angeles residents approved a sales-tax increase to give the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (LA Metro) approximately $120 billion over the next 40 years. In addition to adding bus and train lines, here are four other ways Los Angeles is improving its infrastructure.

Happy New Year! Markets will be closed today in observance of New Year’s Day. This week’s important reports include US construction spending, the ADP employment report, and the weekly mortgage application survey.

Markets were closed on Monday, in observance of the Christmas holiday. This week, the Mortgage Bankers Association did not release the mortgage application survey, and release of the survey will resume next Wednesday. The Case-Shiller home price index continued to appreciate and pending home sales are up slightly.

Since Labor Day, nearly 5 million Americans have registered for federal aid as a result of destructive hurricanes on the East Coast and devastating wildfires on the West Coast. Despite the financial challenges the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) is facing, FEMA Administrator Brock Long is optimistic in solving FEMA’s problems. In a statement he said, “I didn’t come up here to do the status quo, I’m ready to change the face of emergency management.”

Markets will be closed today, in observance of the Christmas holiday. There are some noteworthy housing reports scheduled for release, including the Case-Shiller home price index, the weekly mortgage application survey, and pending home sales.

Mortgage rates started to trend upward this week, following last week’s federal interest rate hike. Tax reform took center stage, dominating most of the news circuit as the House of Representatives and the Senate hammered out the details of their plans and reached a compromise. This week, home builder confidence hit an 18-year high. Housing starts improved, but building permits declined slightly. Existing home sales hit an 11-year high.

The winter months bring colder weather and a lot less sunshine. The end of Daylight Saving Time means earlier sunsets and more hours of darkness. Homeowners looking to brighten things up through winter weather and beyond can consider these tips from Zillow.

The Federal Open Market Committee voted to raise the benchmark interest rate last week, and mortgage rates have not yet reacted. This year’s mortgage rate activity has been gradual, with rates continuing to hover historic lows. This week, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will release their housing market sentiment index on Monday, housing starts and building permits come out on Tuesday, and the existing home sales report comes out Wednesday.

Mortgage rates trended slightly downward this week, though there was no significant movement to report. Job openings were down slightly from September to October. As expected, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) raised the benchmark interest rate for the third time this year, and Fed Chair Janet Yellen gave the final press conference of her term. Retail sales surged ahead of the holiday season.

One of the most persistent problems in the housing industry is lack of availability. At the recent congressional hearing with US House Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, Representative Dennis Heck stated that although 2017 had been the strongest year for construction in over a decade, it was still only at the level of 1994. Over a decade after the housing boom, the homebuilding industry is a third smaller than it was in 2005, while new household formation continues to outpace supply. Supply constrictions are driving home prices up, and pricing more and more potential home buyers out of the market.

Since the Financial Crisis, the financial services industry has adapted to a regulatory environment. Numerous regulations were imposed to protect the consumer and protect consumers from predatory activity and strengthen the national economy. While many of the regulations imposed have served the purposes of improving accountability and encouraging responsible business practices, overregulation can have a tendency to restrict innovation.

With the holiday season in full swing, many American consumers are swiping their credit cards more often to pay for gifts, travel, and other holiday-related expenses. The New York Federal Reserve reports that revolving debt, typically comprised of monthly credit card debt, has hit the highest level in recorded history. In June 2017, Americans had a collective outstanding balance of $1.021 trillion. According to a TD Bank survey, nearly one-third of those credit card holders have never redeemed credit card rewards points and one-fifth have let credit card rewards points expire. As credit card debt and delinquencies continue to rise, selecting the right credit card can have a significant impact on short- and long-term financial goals.

Since the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank), mortgage lenders and other financial institutions have faced increased precautionary regulation. Almost a decade after the Financial Crisis, and many of these regulations remain intact without any adjustment or review, despite economic recovery. Last week, CMG Financial President and CEO Christopher M. George testified on behalf of the Mortgage Bankers Association before the US House Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit in support of the Mortgage Fairness Act of 2017 and the Comprehensive Regulatory Review Act of 2017.

Last week, the Senate passed their version of the Republican tax reform bill. The House and Senate will now go to a conference committee to discuss the differences between the bills and edit one version to send to President Trump. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Fed Chair Janet Yellen will hold a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. On Monday, the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) comes out and on Thursday the retail sales report will be released.

Mortgage rates trended slightly downward this week ahead of next week’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. On Saturday, the Senate approved their version of the tax reform bill. Both new purchase and refinance mortgage applications increased. The ADP employment report increased, but slightly less than last month. Consumer credit expanded to one of the highest levels all year.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was designed to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures and alleviate the financial burden caused by flood damage. The program was set to expire on December 8th amidst ongoing negotiations in Congress. This month, the House of Representatives passed the bill with a 237-189 vote. With the new reauthorization, the bill, with changes, will remain intact for the next five years.

Mortgage rates trended slightly upward last week, ahead of December’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. With a low unemployment rate and steady inflation, the FOMC is expected to raise rates once more this year. The only housing report this week is the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly mortgage application survey. The ADP employment report will come out Wednesday and consumer credit is scheduled for release on Thursday.

Mortgage rates trended slightly upward this week. Several strong housing reports were released. New home sales surged to a 10-year high in October, as post-hurricane recovery appears to be progressing. The Case-Shiller home price index continued to appreciate. Pending home sales were also strong, up 3.5% month-over-month.

Last week, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) increased the maximum conforming loan limits for the second year in a row. This is only the second time since 2006 the FHFA has increased the maximum conforming loan limit. In 2018, the limit will increase from $424,100 to $453,100 for most states, and from $453,100 to $679,650 in high cost areas including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.

Last week was a short week, with markets closed on Thursday in observance of Thanksgiving. This week, some of the final numbers from November are scheduled for release. Noteworthy housing reports include, the new home sales report on Monday, the Case-Shiller home price index on Tuesday, and the pending home sales index on Wednesday.

Mortgage rates did not move significantly during this short week. Markets were closed on Thursday in observance of Thanksgiving, and the New York Stock Exchange is closing early today. Existing home sales improved month-over-month, but decreased year-over-year. New purchase mortgage applications increased and refinance mortgage applications declined. The consumer sentiment index eased slightly.

Traditional power networks typically depend on power from large sources that can be miles away. A pilot “microgrid” program, recently launched in the Pittsburgh area, distributes local power through an independent grid that can run without electricity from the main power source, and will continue to operate, for example, if a storm disrupts the power plant. If implemented on a larger scale, this microgrid technology could make it possible to integrate renewable energy sources and diversify the power supply.

Mortgage rates trended slightly downward last week. This week will be a short week with markets closed on Thursday in observance of Thanksgiving, and the New York Stock Exchange closing early on Friday. In housing news, existing home sales comes out on Tuesday and the weekly mortgage application survey comes out Wednesday. The consumer sentiment index is also scheduled for release on Wednesday.

Buying a home can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. It also tends to be one of the most expensive purchases someone makes in a lifetime. Home buyers may spend years saving for the down payment on a home. Once the transaction is in process, it can be financially devastating to lose those down payment funds to wire transfer fraud. It is imperative for real estate professionals and consumers to remain aware when transferring large sums of money.

Mortgage rates trended slightly upward last week. The new GOP House tax proposal saw a few iterations as well as the release of the GOP Senate tax proposal. This week, the retail sales report comes out on Wednesday, the National Association of Home Builders’ releases their housing market index on Thursday, and housing starts and building permits are scheduled for release on Friday.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has opened the discussion on how to accommodate the displaced Puerto Rican population. Since September, much of the island of Puerto Rico remains without power, drinking water, and other essential utilities. Many buildings are irreparably damaged from the storm, as are thousands of miles of roads. Any relocation efforts face significant logistical challenges.

Housing activity typically slows down during the fall and winter seasons, with predictions for next year starting to come in. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) forecast that new purchase origination volume will increase next year and refinance origination volume will start to decrease. Coming up this week are job openings, consumer credit, and the weekly mortgage application survey.

Mortgage rates did not move much either way this week. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) met on Tuesday and Wednesday and, as expected, voted to leave interest rates unchanged. On Thursday, President Trump announced Jerome Powell would be the next Chairman of the Federal Reserve, after current Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s term expires in February 2018. The Case-Shiller home price index appreciated and US construction spending rebounded slightly.

Humble Design is a non-profit organization that helps recently homeless families rebuild their new homes through furnishings and design services. Since 2009, Humble Design has served 832 families throughout the greater Chicago and Detroit area. Humble Design’s mission is to give recently homeless people a sense of pride and ownership as they transition out of homeless shelters and into new living situations.

Mortgage rates trended upward last week, ahead of this week’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. The FOMC meets Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss monetary policy. The FOMC was in the news last week, as the finance world speculated on what move President Trump will make when Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s term expires in February 2018. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index comes out on Tuesday and US construction spending comes out Wednesday.

Mortgage rates are trending upward again this week. New home sales hit record highs, climbing to the highest level in a decade. Pending home sales were unchanged from August to September. Third quarter gross domestic product (GDP) exceeded expectations and grew at an annual pace of 3%.

This year’s particularly active hurricane season brought to light the issues with coastal communities. Coastal dwelling is not just limited to luxury homeowners. Many homes along the coasts of the Southeastern United States, and along coastlines across the country, fall into the median or low-cost price ranges. However, rising sea levels threaten many coastal and even inland properties.

Mortgage rates are trending upward, heading into the seasonal winter slowdown. This week, the new home sales reports comes out Wednesday and pending home sales index comes out Thursday. The first estimate for third quarter’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be released Friday morning.

Blockchain, defined as a shared digital ledger where transactions are made in cryptocurrency and can be exchanged but not altered, is a growing topic of discussion amongst financial firms. Proponents of blockchain emphasize the efficiency, transparency, and security of the payment system. In May, blockchain made its debut at grocery stores in a refugee camp in Azraq, Jordan, to allow 36,000 Syrian refugees access to a food stipend from the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP).

Mortgage rates trended slightly downward last week. This week, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will release its housing market index on Tuesday. The housing starts and building permits reports will come out on Wednesday. Existing home sales is scheduled for release on Friday.

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Mortgage rates trended slightly downward this week, though there are no significant changes to report. The Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) declined slightly as the unemployment rate dropped to a historical low. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported both new purchase and refinance applications declined last week. The Commerce Department reported that retail sales are up.

Last week, reports surfaced that Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla Inc. and Chairman of Solar City, had a proposal for rebuilding the hurricane-damaged power grid of Puerto Rico. Since back-to-back Hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged the island, Puerto Ricans have been struggling to rebuild and regain utilities. As of October 7th, the governor’s office in Puerto Rico was reporting about 88% of households were still without power. Since the water system is linked with the power grid, many of these households are still without running water as well.

Markets will be closed today in observance of Columbus today. This week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will release the minutes from its September meeting. The Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) comes out Wednesday. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) will also release its weekly survey of mortgage applications on Wednesday. The retail sales report comes out Friday.

Mortgage rates held steady this week. Construction spending improved after the previous month’s declines. New purchase applications increased, but refinance applications declined. The ADP employment report was not hurt greatly by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, but still trended downward.

A horrific shooting shocked the Las Vegas Strip Sunday night, marking the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. A lone gunman opened fire on concert-goers attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival, killing at least 58 and wounding over 500. As our nation comes together to grieve this monumental loss, Americans around the country are trying to find ways to help the victims and the community.

There was no significant mortgage movement last week. This week, US construction spending will be released on Tuesday, and on Wednesday the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) will release its weekly mortgage application survey and the ADP employment report comes out.

Mortgage rates trended slightly upward this week, as housing and construction activity begins to normalize following the destruction of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Limited housing inventory continues to impact the housing market. The Case-Shiller home price index increased again, and new home sales and pending home sales each declined.

Electric bills tend to rise during the summer months because of hot weather and air conditioners working overtime. Energy efficient appliances and other home renovations can reduce electricity consumption, but may be costly to install. Before splurging on energy efficient upgrades, make a few changes to daily behaviors.

Last week, the Federal Open Market Committee met for its semiannual economic policy meeting and voted to leave the benchmark interest rate unchanged. This week, the Case-Shiller home price index, new home sales, and the pending home sales index are all scheduled for release.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to leave rates unchanged at its September meeting, last Tuesday and Wednesday. Housing activity has slowed across the board, with almost every report showing declines. The housing market index dropped, housing starts and existing home sales declined, but building permits increased.

As the industry continues to cope with the property damage from Hurricane Irma, many prospective home buyers were caught in limbo. Each loan type and each agency has different funding requirements with respect to a federally-declared natural disaster zone. A segment of Florida home buyers that were planning on financing through a FHA recently experienced a delay in closing and some confusion. One of the requirements of funding a FHA loan after a disaster is that a reinspection is completed after the established end date. Once that occurs lenders can quickly reassess the property condition and finalize the funding and closing process.

This week will be a full week for housing with numerous important housing reports scheduled. On Monday, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will release the housing market index. On Tuesday, housing starts and building permits comes out. On Wednesday, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release the existing home sales report. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is scheduled to meet Tuesday and Wednesday and a press conference with Fed Chair Janet Yellen will follow on Wednesday.

Last week, the Southeastern United States incurred more storm-related damage as Hurricane Irma plowed through Florida and Georgia. With Texas and Louisiana still recovering from Hurricane Harvey, and Hurricane Irma damage just starting to get assessed, discussion of the National Flood Insurance Program is fervent among homeowners, disaster relief agencies, and housing professionals.

Mortgage rates are trending downward and mortgage application submissions are up. Homeowners and home buyers are looking to lock rates ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy meeting next week. This week, the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) comes out on Tuesday, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) mortgage application survey comes out on Wednesday, and the Consumer Price Index comes out on Thursday.

Mortgage rates dropped slightly this week. Hurricane Harvey recovery is underway in Texas and the government agreed to a short-term debt ceiling extension, in part to help fund the relief effort. Additional hurricanes are forming in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Mortgage application submission increased amidst rising rates. The Federal Reserve released its Beige Book on Wednesday.

Last week, Hurricane Harvey caused major damage across the Gulf Coast. Southeastern Texas and the Houston metro area suffered heavy flooding and parts of the region are still underwater. American Red Cross President Brad Kieserman expects cleanup to last through December. Markets are closed today in observance of Labor Day.

This week, Hurricane Harvey devastated much of Texas’s Gulf Coast and other parts of the Southeastern United States. Mortgage rates did not shift drastically and the Federal Reserve is reconsidering further rate hikes this year, as the greater Houston area begins the process of rebuilding. Tightened housing inventory has led to an increase in home prices and a decrease in pending home sales. Construction spending decreased overall, but the residential housing segment improved.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Hurricane Harvey throughout the Texas area. If you or someone you know has had a home or business impacted by Hurricane Harvey, it is imperative that you file an insurance claim before Friday.

Mortgage rates did not move much last week, and continue to hover year-long lows. This week, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index comes out on Tuesday. The pending home sales index comes out Thursday and US construction spending will be released Friday.

Mortgage rates dropped last week to a post-election low. This week will be a heavy housing week with reports on the Federal Housing Finance Association’s (FHFA) house price index, existing home sales, and new home sales.

Mortgage rates dropped to a new post-election low, but did not translate into increased housing market activity. Housing starts and building permits each dropped, but the housing market index improved. Retail sales exceeded expectations.

Mortgage rates are trending slightly downward. On Tuesday, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will release its August housing market index and the July retail sales report also comes out. On Wednesday, July’s housing starts and building permits data will be released.

Mortgage rates slid slightly last week, as expectations for additional 2017 rate hikes have dropped. This week, there are no significant housing reports scheduled other than the weekly mortgage application survey on Wednesday. On Monday, consumer credit comes out and on Tuesday the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) will be released.

Mortgage rates edged downward this week. The pending home sales index turned around this month, but total construction spending dropped slightly. The ADP employment report was positive but below expectations.

Mortgage rates did not move much last week. There were mixed housing numbers with a decline in existing home sales and an increase in new home sales. This week, the pending home sales index comes out on Monday, US construction spending comes out Tuesday, and the ADP employment report comes out on Wednesday.

Mortgage rates ticked back upwards this week, though there are no significant changes to report. Existing home sales declined after last month’s positive numbers. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index continues to improve. New home sales increased, only slightly.

For most first-time home buyers, the biggest challenge when buying a home is saving for the down payment. However, the 20% down payment is not as rigid of a requirement as it has been in the past. Low down payment programs, especially those targeting first-time home buyers, are growing in popularity.

With record heat waves rolling in, air conditioners across the country are working overtime. The Department of Energy (DOE) reports that the right window treatments can reduce home heat gain by up to 77%. Outdoor additions like awnings, or indoor curtains and drapes can reduce utility costs and lower inside temperatures.

Mortgage rates trended downward last week. There are numerous housing reports scheduled for this week, including last month’s existing home sales and new home sales reports, and May’s Case-Shiller home price index. Last week’s reports showed positive gains in mortgage applications filed, housing starts, and building permits issues. This week’s reports will reflect whether or not that momentum persists.

Mortgage rates started to trend downward this week, following Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s dovish remarks at her semiannual testimony last week. The housing market index dropped slightly, but remains positive. Mortgage applications turned around after last week’s Independence Day slow down. Housing starts and building permits also rebounded.

Mortgage rates were trending upward last week, then edged downward after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s semiannual testimony before the Senate Banking Committee. This week, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) releases its housing market index on Tuesday. Housing starts and building permits come out Wednesday, along with the weekly mortgage application survey.

This week, mortgage rates started to fall after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s remarks at her semiannual testimony before the Senate Banking Committee. Expectations of a September or December rate hike have dropped. Consumer credit expanded at the fastest pace in seven months, there were fewer job openings than expected and retail sales declined.

Mortgage rates started to increase last week. This week, there are no monthly housing reports scheduled, but several other important reports on consumer activity and job openings. On Monday, the consumer credit report comes out, on Tuesday, job openings will be released, and retail sales comes out on Friday.

Mortgage rates started to trend upward after a few weeks of holding steady. This month, US construction spending remained unchanged and private-sector jobs grew less than anticipated. New purchase mortgage applications rebounded after last week’s declines, and refinance applications decreased slightly.

The FICO credit score ranks consumers’ credit-worthiness on a scale of 300 (poor credit) to 850 (excellent credit). The FICO score is the most widely accepted credit score used by lenders and other financial institutions. The average FICO score hit a record-high, reaching 700 for the first since tracking began 12 years ago.

Mortgage rates trended slightly higher last week, but there are no significant changes to report. This week, markets will be closed tomorrow in observance of Independence Day. In housing news, US construction spending comes out on Monday and the weekly mortgage application survey comes out Wednesday. It will also be a big week for job news with the ADP employment report scheduled for release on Thursday and several other employment reports on Friday.

Mortgage rates started to trend upward this week, though there are no significant changes to report. Home prices are continuing their steady trend of appreciation and contracts signed declined slightly as limited housing inventory continues to strain housing activity. The third revision for first quarter’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) came out Thursday, with a positive expansion.

Mortgage rates stayed low last week, trending slightly downward according to Mortgage News Daily. Housing market activity picked up with gains in both existing home sales and new home sales. This week, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index comes out Tuesday, the pending home sales index comes out Wednesday, and on Thursday we get the third estimate for first-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Mortgage rates stayed low this week, trending downward according to Mortgage News Daily, despite the June rate hike. The final numbers from the spring selling season were mostly positive, with existing home sales and new home sales rebounding and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) house price index also improving.

Last week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to raise the benchmark interest rate to a level of 1.00% - 1.25%, the second rate hike of 2017. This week, the final numbers from the spring selling season will be available including existing home sales, new home sales, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) house price index.

As expected, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to raise the benchmark interest rate. Mortgage rates did not change drastically following the announcement, increasing slightly according to some sources. The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) housing market index declined slightly. Housing starts and building permits declined.

Mortgage rates trended downward last week, ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve policy meeting. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is scheduled to meet Tuesday and Wednesday and hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will release the home builders’ sentiment index on Thursday and housing starts and building permits come out on Friday.

Mortgage rates trended downward this week. There were no major housing reports scheduled, aside from the weekly mortgage application survey. Job openings surged and consumer credit growth was sluggish. The labor market and consumer spending patterns influence the housing market. When consumers are gainfully employed and confident in the labor market, they are more inclined to spend and borrow.

One of the most common misconceptions home buyers face is the iron clad 20% down payment. There are many flexible mortgage financing programs available that do not require a 20% down payment. Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan offered his thoughts on the 20% down payment in an interview with CNBC.

Scotsman Guide, the leading resource for mortgage originators, named CMG Financial one of the top mortgage lenders of 2016. CMG Financial was ranked among entries from hundreds of mortgage companies across the country, in three categories: Top Overall Volume (15), Top Wholesale Volume (9), and Top Correspondent Volume (7).

Mortgage rates did not move much last week, hovering the year-long low. This week will be light on housing news, aside from the weekly mortgage application survey. Other significant economic reports include the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and the consumer credit report.

Mortgage rates did not move significantly this week and are holding near year-long lows. The Case-Shiller house price index appreciated to the highest level in over two years. Pending home sales and construction spending each declined.

This month, CMG Financial was named one of the 2017 Best Places to Work in the Bay Area. CMG attributes this honor to its strong culture of success. CMG’s culture depends on all team members working together to deliver the right loans, for the right reasons, in a way that exceeds all expectations.

Markets are closed today in observance of Memorial Day. This week’s scheduled reports will include the final numbers of May and the first numbers of June. The Case-Shiller home price index comes out Tuesday, pending home sales index comes out Wednesday, and construction spending comes out Thursday.

Mortgage rates trended downward last week, amidst some political turmoil in Washington. This week, there will be some significant reports on the first numbers from second quarter including new home sales and existing home sales. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) will release its house price index, also.

Mortgage rates are down from last week, hovering year-long lows. The home builders’ sentiment index posted positive numbers in May after a decline in April. Housing starts and building permits each dropped, and both new purchase and refinance mortgage applications decreased.

Mortgage rates trended upward last week following continued uncertainty surrounding tax and healthcare reform. This week, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will release their monthly housing market index, housing starts and building permits come out Tuesday, and the weekly mortgage applications survey comes out Wednesday.

Mortgage rates trended upward this week, but remain near year-long lows. Both new purchase and refinance applications increased, after last week’s lack of rate movement. Job openings remained unchanged from February to March. Retail sales improved, but were less than expected.

Mortgage rates decreased slightly, following the Federal Open Market Committee’s decision to not raise the benchmark interest rate. US construction spending showed gains in residential construction, but not much elsewhere and the ADP employment report posted modest gains.

Mortgage rates trended upward last week, after hitting year-long lows earlier in the month. This week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will meet for the third time this year. There is not a press conference scheduled after this meeting, but there will be an official announcement released on Wednesday at 2 PM. Also scheduled for release this week, are the US construction spending report and the ADP employment report.

Mortgage rates did not move significantly last week, after hitting a year-long low earlier in the month. There will be a full schedule of housing reports this week including the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index, new home sales, and pending home sales.

Mortgage rates did not fluctuate much this week, hovering the year-long lows they hit last week. The housing market index gave a positive reading. Housing starts declined, but building permits ticked up. Existing home sales surged to the highest level since 2007.

Last week, Freddie Mac reported mortgage rates dipped to new 2017 lows. The lower rates bode well for the spring home buying season, typically the busiest of the year. This week, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will release the housing market index on Monday. On Tuesday, housing starts and building permits come out and on Wednesday there will be the existing home sales report.

This week, Freddie Mac reported the 30-year fixed-rate average interest rate dropped to the lowest level of the year so far, driven down by the political climate. Job openings increased, but hiring declined. The consumer sentiment index continued to surge and retail sales dropped.

Lenders use credit scores to determine a borrower’s ability to repay debt like mortgages and vehicle loans. Credit scores impact lending terms, mortgage rates, and financing eligibility. Typically, scores above 700 are considered good. TransUnion reports only about 20% of Americans have a score above 780 and even fewer rank above 800. How can consumers improve their credit score and reach these elite ranges?

Mortgage rates continued to hold steady last week, trending slightly upward according to Mortgage News Daily. This week will be light on housing news and heavy on jobs reports. Jobs reports, like this week’s ADP employment report, are still relevant to the housing market because labor market growth triggers spending and borrowing by gainfully employed consumers.

Mortgage rates did not move much this week, trending slightly upward from last week. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index surged at a record pace, pending home sales increased, and consumer spending improved also.

We truly believe home is where the heart is. For those suffering from illnesses, having a place to call home can be just as healing as the hospital. Unfortunately, unexpected medical expenses have the potential to cause major financial damage to families. The MBA Opens Doors Foundation is here to help.

Mortgage rates trended downward last week. When the Federal Reserve raises the short-term interest rate, long-term rates like mortgage rates may not react immediately. This week, there will be the S&P Case-Shiller home price index, the pending home sales report, and the consumer spending, personal income, and core inflation report.

Mortgage rates continued to trend downward this week. There was a mixed bag of housing news. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) house price index was unchanged, existing home sales dropped, and new home sales increased.

Last week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to raise the benchmark interest rate. In response, mortgage rates trended downward. Long-term interest rates will move more slowly than short-term rates in reacting to movements by the Fed. This week, there will be several important housing reports including the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s house price index, existing home sales, and new home sales.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will meet this Tuesday and Wednesday and vote on whether or not to raise the benchmark interest rate. Last week, the European Central Bank voted to leave interest rates unchanged. In the United States, Mortgage rates were on the rise last week as the market priced in a federal interest rate hike.

Mortgage rates were on the rise this week, ahead of next week’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. After this week’s positive job numbers from the ADP employment report, many economists are predicting a rate hike will take place next week.

Mortgage rates did not move much last week, trending upward according to some surveys. There are no major housing reports scheduled this week, except for the weekly Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) purchase application survey. Other notable economic reports include consumer credit and the ADP employment report.

There was not much movement from mortgage rates this week, trending upwards according to some sources. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index improved, but the pending home sales index and construction spending declined. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve released its Beige Book ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting later this month.

Mortgage rates did not change significantly last week, and trended downward according to some sources. This week includes the end of February and the beginning of March, bringing some important monthly housing reports. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) pending home sales index and US construction spending will forecast what to expect for housing in the coming months.

Mortgage rates trended downward this week. New home sales and existing home sales each showed signs of strength and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) house price index increased. New Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin addressed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reform is on the agenda but stated that it was not the number one priority.

One of the first steps in securing a home loan is determining the borrower’s credit score. With multiple credit bureaus reporting on different factors, the borrower may see multiple versions of their credit score. Additionally, lead generation websites are constantly phishing consumers to get their free “credit scores.” HousingWire reports that new research suggests that the VantageScore is not the same as a FICO score despite claims asserting otherwise.

Last week, Steve Mnuchin was sworn in as Treasury Secretary, Fed Chair Janet Yellen suggested an interest rate hike is coming soon, and mortgage rates started to rise. This week’s important housing reports will include existing home sales, new home sales, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) House Price Index.

Mortgage rates dropped somewhat last week. Rates in 2017 have stayed relatively unchanged following volatility toward the end of 2016. This week, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will release a housing market index. Other scheduled reports include retail sales, housing starts, and building permits.

After some volatility earlier in the month, mortgage rates started to drop this week. Last week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to leave interest rates unchanged. This week, the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) dropped slightly, and consumer credit posted modest gains. Mortgage applications also increased this week, following a drop last week.

Mortgage rates fluctuated only slightly last week, and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to not raise interest rates. This week, the Labor Department releases its Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), the consumer credit report for December comes out, and the MBA releases its weekly mortgage purchase application index.

Mortgage rates did not move much this week, following the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) decision not to raise interest rates. Despite a week-over-week drop in new purchase and refinance mortgage applications, monthly housing numbers posted strong gains.

Mortgage rates experienced some volatility last week. On Tuesday, Dr. Ben Carson’s nomination for the Secretary of the Department of Housing was approved by the Senate Committee. On Wednesday morning, the Dow Jones Industrial Average opened at 20,000. This week the Federal Open Market Committee meets on Tuesday and Wednesday. Upcoming housing reports include pending home sales and the S&P Case-Shiller home price index.

Mortgage rates experienced some volatility this week, opening with a decline and then climbing throughout the week. The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee approved Dr. Ben Carson’s nomination for the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The next step in his proceedings will be facing the entire Senate vote. On Wednesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average broke 20,000 for the first time ever. Important housing reports that were released this week include existing home sales, new home sales, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency House Price Index.

Mortgage rates went up last week and the Department of Housing and Urban Development suspended their plan to cut mortage insurance premiums on Federal Housing Administration Loans. This week, there will be important housing reports including existing home sales, the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s House Price Index, and new home sales.